Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Banner |
Catalog Number |
2008.9 |
Maker |
Artcraft Mfg. Co. |
Date |
ca. 1942 |
Material(s) |
Silk/Leather; |
Dimensions |
H-58 W-34 inches |
Description |
This is a Masonic blue star service banner from World War II. It is a red and white banner with applied blue stars and the stars are applied to one side only. Red silk forms a frame around the white silk panel, the red silk has faded and the white silk has yellowed. There are 25 blue stars attached to white panel. 13 of the stars are sewn with a zigzag stitch and are thought to be the original stars, 10 of the stars are machine sewn with a straight locking stitch and each has frayed edges, and 2 of the stars are whip stitched to the panel one with blue thread and the other with gold thread. The top is turned over and sewn to form a sleeve at the hoist. There is a leather grommet attached at either end of the sleeve. |
Notes |
The tradition of using flags such as this can be traced back to World War I. The flags have been called war mother flags, son in service flags, and simply service banners. Both families and businesses flew these flags. Each blue star denoted that a family member or employee was in service. The stars were replaced with gold stars if that member was killed in service. The tradition carried forward into World War II. During this time period the Department of War issued guidelines on construction and use of these flags, though homemade versions can be found. This service banner belonged to Hiram Lodge #4 Free and Accepted Masons in Frankfort, KY. It has been assumed by the lodge membership to be a WWII banner commemorating the service of lodge members in that conflict. However, a list of names has recently been discovered that suggests that the banner might actually been used originally to represent lodge members serving in WWI and expanded for WWII. Research into the lodge records books is still pending. |
Collection |
Hiram Lodge #4 F&AMCollection |
Event |
World War II |
People |
Kentucky Historical Society Artcraft Mfg. Co. |
Subjects |
Flags Masonic organizations World War II |
Search Terms |
Flags World War II World War Two World War, 1939-1945 |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |